Hey everyone,
GOOD GRIEF! There is a heatwave running through my country as I write this and it's actually between 86 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in here. That is actually almost 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit higher than we are used to around here and so it's beyond crazy hot. I'm sure a lot of you are used to such degrees, but well –
I'm not,

Venquine1990


Chapter 42
An Unwelcome Announcement

3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Albus' POV

I know that I'm not fooling everyone with my need to show off a calm and collected persona as so far everything we have read and the warning that Harry from the future has left us with makes me really worried, especially for the one person who has grown to mean even more to me over this reading than he ever has in the years before.
Harry has always meant very much to me, both when I believed he was my only grandson and after I realized that Severus and Regulus gave me another grandson several years before Harry was born. And while it's probably not fair to either Jeremy or Jason, do I still consider Harry the most precious of my grandchildren, due to the MMB.
I have always been worried for Harry, mostly because of the prophesy that I thought was about him and that I believed took my grandson and his wife from me. But while I am now unsure on whether or not that prophesy is even real, does the new prophesy, created by the Lovegood sisters, make me worry for Harry even more.

"And his new ability isn't helping matters." I think to myself, but I decide not to focus on this. Instead, I turn to my newly discovered grandson-in-law and say: "I know that I read for Arthur when he and his family had their little issue, but I'd like to be next to read this chapter." Regulus nods and then turns to Cornelius as he says:
"We'll discuss matters in regards to our kids working for the Cup event when the kids go and catch a break in the book, alright Minister?" The man nods, but I wonder how long that will take. And part of me knows that, once this book is over, the amount of breaks my family will get to have will be reduced greatly, at which I read on worriedly.

The Triwizard Tournament

Instantly the excitement that had been going through some of the students before now goes through the entire Great Hall and most of the adults look around in either happiness for the students being like this or pride that their achievements cause this excitement. Yet I can only see this as a prequel to a horrible war and yet don't let it be noticed as I read.

Through the … aim again.

This makes all of the kids from the Squad and Gang share a look and Isaac asks: "Does he always think actions like that are pranks?" And the fact that he doesn't ask if Peeves pulls pranks like this, but refers to the pranks as actions Peeves sees as pranks actually shocks me so much, I can't even think of a proper answer.
I then notice Ron and Hermione share a look and Ron says: "You know what, it's crazy as it feels like so long ago, but on the night Sirius attacked the Fat Lady, Peeves was actually enjoying her misfortune until Professor Dumbledore spoke to him, remember?" The girl looks shocked, but nods at her friend and Isaac rolls his eyes.
The older twins then share a look and they chorus: "One thing's for sure." And the younger set choruses: "Peeves better never meet either Isaac or Joshua." And Jeffrey crosses his arms as he says: "Seeing how Isaac took his role even more seriously after the war broke out, that's more true for him, really." The Squad nods and I read on.

"PEEVES!" yelled … squirts! Wheeeeeeeeee!"

Here Hermione actually giggles and she says: "I don't want to insult whoever those students were, but – you remind me of myself, back when I was in my First." All Fifth year girls turn to her at this, some Snakes still glaring and she says: "We were trapped by Devil Snare back on the Third Floor corridor at the end of First, you see.
And I had just realized that the best way to dispel the plant was through fire, but I was so worried about Ron and Harry that I said there was – and this is where I'm coming from, so you're going to laugh at this one – no wood. Needless to say when Ron reminded me that I was a witch with a wand I felt pretty damn stupid."
The current Fourth year girls look at this shocked and then one of them, a Ravenclaw sighs as she says: "You're not wrong, Granger. We're witches ourselves and we obviously didn't even think to conjure umbrella's or shield spells or something." And while this makes the other girls turn red with embarrassment, do I read on.

And he … come on!"

Yet here James turns on his Head of House with a raised eyebrow and asks: "Ehm, excuse me? Shouldn't you have, I don't know, cast a drying charm on them all first or something? Or was there one already cast on the Great Hall doors?" And while Minerva turns red for obviously not thinking of this, do I read on.

Harry, Ron … I'm starving."

Here all of the parents are just looking at the teachers, yet it's Lily that makes me feel both a little better and not as she asks: "Seriously? Where are the teachers? What are the Prefects doing? What about the Head Boy and Girl? Did they suddenly suffer from a bad case of carelessness?" And all my older students all turn red too as I read on.

The Sorting … wouldn't you?"

This makes all of the Gang kids share worried looks, but the Squad seem less concerned and Jeremy says: "We've been together for too long. If fat, abusive, bastard-like Muggles and Squibs who force us to use our magic for all the wrong reasons can't separate us, then different Houses don't stand a chance." The Gang kids nod and I read on, proud.

Harry looked … the teachers.

"He left when he really didn't need to or shouldn't have." Irma reads of her note and Remus wants to sigh and object, but then Irma shocks us all as she says: "Remember, three-quarter of the school already knew long before Hermione's revelation, due to Snape's essay. None of them cared and they told their parents this when they came home."
The man looks shocked, yet I still wonder something. It might be true that students told their parents this once summer started, but how many of those would still be defending the gentle werewolf once summer had ended. And while I also wonder if his new family will work in his favor if this ever happens again, do I continue reading.

They had … school days.

At this Sirius leans back and says: "I really can't wait until the MMB breaks and those facts become the myths and lies that they are to all of us. Seriously, the more I remember that this feud was never what I think it was, the more I wonder how our school years actually went." And Remus and Severus nod in agreement as I read on.

On Snape's … across it.

This really concerns me as the enchantment on the Ceiling are supposed to only emulate potential lighting storm, not actually show them off to the hall. Then I remember what was used for the MMB to take affect and I think: "That piece of portrait frame. It is allowing the MMB magic to affect all of Hogwarts, not just its students."
At this I turn to Arthur and silently ask him access to his mind as I pretend to get some water to moisten my dry throat and when I gain entrance, do I mentally whisper: "Call your eldest in at the next break. Perhaps if he can help readjust and re-strengthen the wards, he can weaken the MMB." Arthur's eyes shine to show he's heard me and I read on.

"Oh hurry … a hippogriff."

"Now that's just rude!" His sister actually exclaims and she says: "Buckbeak escaped only two months prior. You are so lucky Hagrid didn't hear you right then, seeing how he had been worrying over that poor Hippogriff for almost an entire year." And while she doesn't raise her voice, does Ronald still turn red in shame and I read on, impressed.

The words … painfully excited.

This makes a large smile grow on my face and Minerva sighs as she says: "There is always one of them. Every year, again and again, there is always at least one." And I agree with her, yet I see this as a blessing and not the curse she is making it out to be as this was even the case in the years of the last war. I smile at this and read on.

When he … into song:

At this Irma coughs and she asks: "Headmaster, may I?" And instantly I notice that everyone, both in the Gang, the Squad and Harry, have turned super excited and are looking at me with eyes that are almost begging me to comply. I feel intrigued and think: "A Water Elemental with a nice singing voice." I hand her the book – and get astounded.

A thousand … you belong!

Whimsical love, respect, honor and pride, both for the ones she is singing about and herself – or better said, the Hat – sounds through the young woman's voice as she sings and I feel as if she is emulating her emotions into me as she does so. I feel all of these emotions and feel them adding to my own, strengthening the power of them within my own heart.
The young woman then uses her Element to summon some water towards her and gulps a large amount of it down in a single gulp before she stands up to hand me the book. Yet as she does, does she break the trance on everyone and a huge, booming, standing ovation breaks through from the student body, all of them screaming for an encore.
And to my intrigued delight does the young woman seem to change into a scared First year before my very eyes, shrinking back, turning red with embarrassment and trying to disappear down her seat. And while I really wish that Pandora was still alive so the girl could have her mother's embrace to hide in, do I just continue the reading.

The Great … sat down.

Yet all of the Gryffindors around me turn dark at this and James growls: "And yet, for years, you all believed that the wizard who did all of this to us was in Gryffindor." And all three sets of twins chorus: "Thank Magic that's not true." All of their siblings and families nodding in agreement with them as I continue reading.
"Should we feel overshadowed?" I actually hear Severus whisper at Regulus as I read and his husband whispers: "That depends. Do you want your House to be remembered for bringing out the Darkness within a witch or wizard or the true drive to bring their dreams into the realm of reality." His partner nods in grateful acceptance and I happily read on.

"Branstone, Eleanor … a row.

Here all of my colleagues as well as all those who went to school with them, but have had their memories altered turn to Lily, Regulus and James and the latter of the three smirks as he says: "Part of our rivalry. We really went loose on that though, so it was actually a tie twice, a Lion's victory three times and also a Snake's victory twice."
At this the Weasleys and other Lions start to congratulate each other, but then Regulus says: "Though that last Lion victory was still by only a single point." To which Neville, to my sheer pride says: "A single point is still a point. I helped Gryffindor win by ten points in my First." And Regulus looks at him impressed as I read on.

"Pritchard, Graham … golden plate.

"The MMB is affecting the newest generation." Irma suddenly says, looking dark and brooding and we all turn to her as she says: "I don't say this to be rude, but the majority of that year was Hufflepuff, the House that is considered to only gain those who don't feel brave, ambitious or smart. That generation really doubted themselves.
And seeing as how the MMB affects the one thing people are supposed to be most sure about, their minds and memories, it's safe to say it's the spell's fault. I can only imagine that this was something Pettigrew added to the spell when he cursed Ron to keep the spell going." I grimace, realizing that she is making many fine points and read on.

Professor Dumbledore … and everything?"

Here Alice looks to the girl in pity and she says: "Hermione dear, you're making a mistake. You're treating House Elves as if they're humans and if there is one thing you shouldn't do, not with House Elves, Goblins or Centaurs, it's treat them like humans." Yet the young girl seems to think different as she angrily says:
"But they work for us and if they don't get any of this, they're no better than slaves. And that's just –." But then Remus says: "A Hierarchy." Shocking the girl and intriguing a lot of those who obviously don't know about this. Remus nods and says: "Like I said, the bond between wizards and House Elves is a case of magical balance.
By having the House Elves in a class below us, we provide them with more magic than we ourselves can handle. That is why people with strong magic usually work in locations with a large amount of House Elves, like Albus working for Hogwarts. It allows them to get rid of the amounts of magic they themselves can't handle.

It's just something that happened ages ago, Hermione, back when the Roman Empire was in power. When the last Emperor of Rome, who was indeed a wizard, was taken out, he cast a curse upon all the lands that had, at one point or another, been under Roman control. And that curse spread worldwide as the Wizarding populace grew.
Wizards, ever since 500 AD, have been suffering from the magic within them growing faster than they themselves can handle. That is why young witches and wizards have cases of Accidental Magic, why Hogwarts is so pivotal to be taught to teenagers who suffer from their hormones and why the Wizarding World is so closely populated.
And why, every few decades or so, there is a power hungry idiot. Some people just cannot handle the way their magic affects their hearts, minds or personal strength and cave under the pressure, going through what is called a Crucible and often coming out with the belief that they deserve to let others suffer the way they did."

"And as for Squibs. Those are often caused by one of two things, Mss. Granger. Either two members of the same family are too closely related, causing for malfunctions in their inner workings –.""You mean their DNA or their genetic code?" Hermione asks and the man grimaces, obviously displeased with being interrupted, but says:
"Yes, that – or because as a Muggleborn or Half-blood, they chose to live in the Muggle world instead. It makes them need to push down on so much of their magic that it either hurts them or their offspring. More often than not Squibs born from Muggleborns are only born so, because they deplete all of their magic at young age."
The girl looks shocked and horrified and Alice says: "And that is why we use so many large establishments, such as the Ministry, Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. It allows for large colonies of House Elves to live beside us and feed off of the magic we ourselves can't handle. Do you understand now?" Hermione nods and I read on.

Nearly Headless … another bite.

"You really just insult them if you do that." Frank says and he goes on: "Most House Elves have actually just forgotten these bits of knowledge. Like other beings that are more than they themselves are aware of, mostly kids, House Elves just like doing what they want to do and don't question it, unless they think they do it wrong.
Of course there are those who make them believe that, no matter what they do, they always do everything wrong, but those are one in a thousand if not two-thousand. There is hardly any witch or wizard stupid enough to mess with a House Elf, as far as I know." Yet I know that young Ronald knows different and just read on.

The rain … check it."

"Now that is just wrong. That list is way too long!" Sirius exclaims, but Lily giggles and says: "I believe the words out of date would be better suited, Sirius. Tell me, Al, when was the last time Argus checked that list for items that were no longer in production?" I realize that this has never happened and chortle before I answer and read on.

The corners … at him.

And the same is going on here, though here, mutters are heard all over the Hall as everyone seems to be impressed, both with the book's description and the man's entrance. Yet halfway through this part of the reading, did I notice that Frank and Alice grew angry and suspicious and Alice voices her and her husband's thoughts with one sentence:
"It's not him." Everyone turns to her and she says: "The limp that was mentioned. Alastor got his leg years ago, a near-on two decades. There is no way he's not used to walking with that thing by this point." And while I wonder if book-me will pick up on this in time, does Frank seem to have spotted more as he says:
"The eye's no different. Yes, I know from what mum told us that Alastor is getting more and more paranoid and the whole part on him of last chapter also amplifies this, but that eye wasn't being like that, because Al was being paranoid. It was behaving like that because it wasn't able to sense it's master's magic."
Yet this is a bit of info book-me will probably not pick up on until it's too late and then Regulus seals the deal as he looks like a true Black as he says: "And seeing as how, whoever this is, is working with Pettigrew, that filthy rat will probably use the MMB to make you all obvious to all these facts." And with dread on my mind, do I read on.

"Moody?" Harry … from it.

Instantly Ron and Hermione share a shocked look and they chorus: "HE'S USING POLYJUICE POTION!" Everyone looks shocked and Snape asks: "How do you know this?" And Ron sighs as he says: "We suspected Malfoy junior of being the Heir in Second." The man seems angered at this, yet I ignore it for now and read on.

As he … this year."

And while this has been an event that has started its planning phase a few months ago, do I now not feel the same excitement, glee and pride as I did when I first came up with the idea. "It wasn't your idea. This wasn't the first time Polyjuice was used for the benefit of the Dark." I suddenly hear Irma read and look up shocked.
"Harry found out about this while we were preparing for the trip back in time. He even visited you and asked for any knowledge on the matter, but you were no longer able to remember who advised you. Someone had used your own Occlumency shields against you." And while I wonder if it was Pettigrew, do I nod at her and read on, relieved.

"You're JOKING … a bar."

"That one? Really? That one's almost as old as our family. Honestly Albus." James laughs at me and I smile back, loving it every time he and the others make a comment as it further proves and establishes that my family is back and alive. And while I should feel guilty that, even days later, I still have trouble with this belief, do I not as I read on.

Professor McGonagall … years ago.

"To be honest, the death toll wasn't entirely the Tournament's fault. There was, after all the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte going on at that same time and the Minister of that time was, quite like yourself, Albus, given advice on how to run the Tournament as this person believed the Wizarding world responsible for Napoleon's horrors.
Needless to say, the fact that Napoleon conquered Holland and Switzerland after this happened, did not make the person who caused this feel too good about himself." Regulus groans and he lies a hand on his face as he says: "It's not without reason that the Malfoys moved to England shortly after." Shocking practically everyone.
"Wait, WHAT?" A lot of students scream and Elena turns to her father as he says: "A black page in the history book of our family. To this day, we still don't understand why Maleroy Malfoy blamed the wizards. The Statute was already a thing and he was actually a staunch supporter of making it even more strict, so none of his motives ever made sense."

"What happened to him?" Elisa asks and Narcissa answers: "No one knows. He was taken in by the French Unspeakables and, at the time, that was a sentence worse than death, the Dementor's Kiss or Azkaban. Even English Unspeakables feared the French Unspeakables and those are still seen as the highest among the Unspeakable ranks."
"However, there is one thing you should all take into account and remember. The whole true reason the Malfoys moved to England. It wasn't that the family was banished or that the other Malfoys were held to blame. It was that the death toll was mostly English wizards and the Lady of the House felt personally responsible.
The family moved, because they wanted to help and serve the families and friends of those whose lives Malorey had killed and destroyed. They wanted to repent for their fallen member's actions. Remember that, before you judge any of the current members of House Malfoy." Many of those around me nod and I read on.

"There have … under seventeen.

"Empty words, Albus. If you had spoken the same way you used to when you suspected someone had been hoodwinked or convinced to join Voldemort, you might have convinced them. Your tone of voice and the look in your eyes will make them think you're challenging them." Lily tells me worriedly and I sigh as I read on, agreeing with her.

"The delegations … thousand Galleons…"

But while Molly is now glaring at her sons, daring them to be like their book-selves and voice these desires, do I share the shortest of looks with James, who I can tell is not really looking at anyone. The man is just listening, yet he is also lost in thought. Thought and concerns that he shares with me over his son as I continue reading.

"Come on … our names."

At this Molly wants to rant at her sons, but Regulus had been silently conversing with Narcissa and Lucius while I read and now he stands up and says: "In light of the chance of this still happening, if anyone wants to break this rule, they must first adhere to one pre-Tournament challenge." Instantly he has a lot of excited stares sent his way as he says:
"Read the files – describing how the last Tournament was ended, as well as the reports in regards to those that have perished, to in the finest of details. If you can read this and stomach it without needing Madam Pomfrey afterwards, none of the teachers will stop you from trying this." And with that does the man sit down again.
And to the astonishment of a lot of my staff do his words seem to have done the job as the majority of those that had looked excited, intrigued and determined now look concerned, some even queasy at the thought and at least a quarter of them are muttering words like never mind. I smile at the younger Black impressed and continue reading.

"People have … Fancy entering?"

Yet these words seem to concern Elisa and she mutters: "How could they be so callous about something that can kill them? They were surrounded by Dementors not three months prior. Is this more of the MMB's magic. Is it making them forget how it felt to be so close to death?" And while this worries the twins, do I read on.

"What d'you … to – oops…"

Here both his parents and his sisters turn to him and Frank says: "If my mother pushes you to do anything – and I mean anything – you don't want to do, Neville, you tell us. She is supposed to guide and protect you, not manipulate you down a path that isn't yours by desire or choice, you understand?" But Neville shrinks and asks:
"But what about the honor of the Family?" And Alice turns angry as she says: "That should never go at the cost of the family itself or its members. I don't know what your gran has taught you, Neville, but it seems we need to take her up to task." To which I can't help but share a look with the others and I know they think the same.
"I'm surprised Augusta hasn't learned of her son's revival of health yet. I wonder what is taking her so long to get here and see her Lord of House healthy and strong once more." And while I wonder who I can send to look into this – and potentially invite Augusta over – does Neville get both his sisters sitting closer to him for comfort as I read on.

Neville's foot … laughing wheezily.

Here Alice sighs and says: "Now I remember. Pettigrew himself was the one who took Rosaline and Rosemary while Bella and her bastards attacked Frank and me. He must have cast some kind of spell on Neville before taking our daughters. And he mentioned your mother as well before he left to give our daughter to that bastard, remember Frank?"
Frank nods and says: "Meaning mother must be under some kind of spell as well. Probably one that makes her priorities more important to her than her heart. Rosiers have always been weak to spells like that." To this Poppy instantly offers her help and Frank thanks her as he says: "Treat her once she arrives here." Before I read on.

"Shut it … soccer players.

Here the two sets of Lupin twins turn to Dean and Seamus and ask: "You two up for a game. Seamus and one of our sets against Seamus and another? One defender, one attacker and one Keeper each?" The two Gryffindors nod in excitement at this and I say: "Perhaps an idea for next weekend, boys." Before I read on.

Harry, Ron … he could.

And while this ending note cheers up most of the Great Hall and a lot of Lions are now muttering in excitement over what could happen if Harry does get his chance, do I already know that it isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. And this makes me put the book down, wonder how many chapters it will take before we know, and look at the tent once more.
"That's what the books are for, Al. To make sure we can prevent Harry from entering the Tournament. And besides, seeing what I've been told about his speech, I'd say it's safe to bet that this is only his hormones acting up. I have a strong feeling we'll be reading of him changing his mind in the coming chapters." James tells me, but his words offer me no comfort.

Suddenly Jeffrey stands up along with Elena, Edena, Irma and Jack and the latter four seem to work together, while Jeffrey focuses on the air in front of him, twisting and turning his arms and making a disc out of the air he makes move and swirl in front of him. He actually launches it into the tent and instantly I know what's happened.
"Harry's awake." I mutter and instantly everyone who heard me has turned to the tent. But I have eyes for the other four that had stood up and Irma creates a gorgeous shape of water that she sends high up into the enchanted ceiling, where Edena and Jack work together to fill it with light and fire, the fire somehow not being extinguished by the liquid.
Irma then pulls the water form back down where Elena freezes it, creating a gorgeous ice crystal that is alight with an obviously non-burning flame, which seems to be covered in a case of sunlight that is within the crystal. Rosaline then moves her hand up and down on the table and a single vine grows out of the wood that she cuts off.

She moves it to the crystal and Elena makes sure to create a small ring at the top of the crystal. The vine goes through the ring and then the crystal is laid down before the Potter family. And while I look in awe at the now gorgeous looking pendant, do I then notice the disc of wind having a passenger as Harry is afloat atop it as he rides it to us.
Jeffrey leads the disc to where the crystal pendant lies and when Harry spots it, he looks up at Elena who says: "Courtesy of us all, to make sure you have a light keeping you from the majority of your Element until you can control your new gift. It's not so much a blockade as more a means to help you with your latest predicament."
Harry smiles at her and takes the pendant before disappearing under the table, obviously tying the pendant to his lower leg. He then thanks all those that worked on the pendant and yet, young Elena's words hit me where it hurts once more. As her words remind me of what the Tournament will really be; Harry's next predicament.


That's going to be fun,
And to be honest, writing this chapter was actually a lot of fun as well, and I mean actual fun not the sarcastic kind I wrote about just now. Especially the parts about House Elves and the bit about why the Tournament was cancelled last time were fun to write about. Did anyone ever think of adding Napoleon to that backstory?
Anyway, Harry is back and now Regulus and Amelia are going to discuss what needs to be said and done before he and the others can let their kids work to help the Ministry make sure that the World Cup goes 100% right. And of course Cornelius is going to want to help in this and bring in some extra help of his own as well.
Oh no, not her,

Venquine1990